There are a variety of factors that have an influence on how frequently you should get your hearing assessed by a professional. While hearing loss can affect people of all ages, it is generally around the age of 60 when hearing issues tend to become more prevalent.
Regular hearing exams are an important part of maintaining a good level of overall health. Especially if you or a loved one is experiencing any signs of hearing loss, it is recommended to get checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss most often develops gradually over time which can sometimes make it difficult to recognize and identify. Some of the early warning signs to watch out for include:
- Voices and speech becoming muffled or unclear
- Difficulty discerning between similar-sounding consonants
- Trouble holding a conversation in noisy environments
- Social events are nerve-wracking and exhausting (listening fatigue)
- Watching people’s lips to try to figure out what they are saying
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Required listening volume of TV and music continues to increase
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Feeling of obstruction in the ears
- Becoming more withdrawn and isolated
Two Important Factors Impacting Hearing Ability
There are several factors that can contribute to the loss of hearing, but two factors stand out above the rest:
- Age
- Exposure to Loud Noise
Age
Age-related hearing loss is extremely common in people over the age of 60. Also known as presbycusis, this type of hearing loss occurs naturally with age as the structure of the inner ear deteriorates over time. Of course, not everyone over the age of 60 experiences a loss of hearing, there are other elements that can play a role as well. Things like genetics, occupation, and other existing health conditions can have an influence.
A very common symptom of age-related hearing loss is difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds. This can make it strenuous to comprehend speech in an area with a lot of background noise. When age is combined with a lifetime of contact with loud noise, the risk of hearing loss is significantly higher.
Exposure to Loud Noise
Certain occupations come with an increased risk of hearing loss. When you work in a noisy environment it means exposure to loud sounds on a daily basis which can damage your ears. Some of the highest risk occupations for hearing loss include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Ground-level airport staff
- Nightclub staff
- Musicians and DJs
- Emergency responders
- Teachers
It doesn’t even necessarily have to be the occupation that is putting you in contact with loud noise day-to-day. Another reported factor for hearing loss is listening to music at high volumes in headphones. Many people who commute to and from work every day use headphones for entertainment and to make the time pass. The key is listening at low acceptable volumes, recommended between 60-80 dB, to help prevent hearing damage.
Mobile Hearing Services
A loose guideline for how often you should have your hearing tested is every few years for people over the age of 60 or who are repeatedly exposed to loud noise. If you are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss at any age it is advisable to get assessed by a professional immediately.
Mobile hearing services provide a convenient and effective option for regular hearing checks. Appointment availability is extremely limited at clinics and healthcare facilities currently, so mobile services provide a safe and practical alternative. Getting your hearing tested in the comfort of your own home takes all the stress and strain out of the process. This includes hearing aid assessments and inspection as well. Catching hearing loss early and getting the appropriate treatment is the best way to prevent lasting damage and impairment.
